With the right story, bedtime can be a serene and relaxing event - enjoyed by both reader, and child. Here are five calming bedtime books to ensure that night-time isn’t fight-time.

The Little Elephant Who Wants To Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin

Following on from the ground-breaking The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, behavioural scientistCarl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin brings his expertise to another tried and tested, parent-approved book. It uses a unique and distinct language pattern trusted by parents across the globe to help children fall asleep quickly at both nap time and bedtime. Join Ellen the Elephant on a journey through a magical forest that leads to sleep. Along the way, children meet different fantastical characters and have calming experiences that will help your child to relax.

Both parents and children can at times find it impossible to switch off from the chaos of daily life, whether this is a stressful day at the office, or the excitement of starting nursery. Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar teaches children the importance of letting go of the day, introducing simple and easy-to-follow techniques for relaxation and mindfulness, from an early age.

Just like little pups everywhere, Spot has a bedtime routine. He’s ready to go to bed, but what happens when he can’t find teddy? In classic Spot style, this simple, reassuring board book is perfect for calming down those who want to fight against sleep. Spot loves bedtime, and so will you after settling down with this colourful bedtime story for 0-3-year-olds.

Every child can relate to sleepy lion. He’s tired and grumpy but loathed to go to bed. The adorable child-friendly artwork of Georgie Birkett is teamed perfectly with a simple rhyming text from Jane Clarke. This calming coupling tempts even the most reluctant of all bedtimers to get tucked in tranquilly.

Drift off way into furthest outer space with this intergalactic bedtime book from Nick East and Michelle Robinson, inspired by astronaut Tim Peak. Two little boys get ready for bed and say goodnight to their rockets, launch pads, and planet mobiles, before being whisked away into space on an adventure beyond their wildest dreams. Despite the exhilarating subject content, the book remains calming and serene, with a blissful sleepy ending. Little minds will be excited to dream about all things astronomical!